Christmas

It has nothing to do with religion or the lack of religion, but the whole hypocritical commercialization of the holiday.

I like getting together with family. I like the feast part (probably too much) and I even enjoy the giving of small gifts, but the pressure to buy, buy, buy is relentless and unnecessary in my opinion.

Hell, even if you’re a Christian, you have to admit that Christmas isn’t really about the sacrifice of Jesus Christ – it’s more about how many presents you can fit into your sport utility vehicle and how you’ll manage to pay for it all.

My favorite part of the holiday is when it’s over, and I can go back to the peace and quiet that isn’t Christmas.

But truth be told, I do look forward to going to my aunt’s. She gives out presents every year and she’s a bit…eccentric. But that’s the best part! She spends all year getting gifts. They’re nothing spectacular, but you never know what you’re going to get and it’s always a hoot opening her gifts.

For example, one year she bought my kids (who were probably 12 and 9 at the time) oven mitts. The funny part was that she split the pair up so each got one mitt. We all howled with laughter, including my kids.

Good times. Inexpensive but far more memorable.

So to all my readers, I hope you have a Merry Christmas, holiday or whatever you call it, and a happy New Year!